Qin Wan’s heart stirred as she realized – was Qin Chaoyu aiming for the position of Crown Princess?

Fuling, noticing Qin Wan’s expression, continued, “They say the Crown Prince will select his Crown Princess after the New Year. Right now, the candidates are from several families in the capital. That girl outside named Huan said that the Eighth Young Lady is the most favored by the Empress and has the highest chance.”

Although Qin Wan had no intention of prying into the Marquis Manor’s political ambitions at court, she had observed both Qin Chaoyu’s words and Madam Hu’s reactions today. While she hadn’t given it much thought at the time, hearing Fuling’s words now made everything clear.

“Crown Princess?” Qin Wan narrowed her eyes slightly, continuing to look at the yellowed book in her hands with seeming indifference. “It would be fitting.”

Qin Chaoyu had been carefully groomed by Marquis Manor since childhood, and from their brief meeting earlier, Qin Wan could tell she possessed both pride and lofty ambitions. The position of Crown Princess… was not one that ordinary people could assume.

These thoughts led Qin Wan to remember the current Crown Prince, formerly Prince Yong.

Back then, when Prince Yong had not yet been established as Crown Prince, selecting a Prince Consort was naturally not as difficult as selecting a Crown Princess. At that time, Prince Yong needed the support of the pure and humble officials at court to secure the Crown Prince position. This was why he had set his sights on her father, the Minister of Justice, hoping to gain more court officials’ support to ascend to the position of Crown Prince.

Now that Prince Yong had secured his position as Crown Prince, his gaze naturally fell upon the Emperor’s Dragon Throne.

The support of court officials was one aspect, but the second was the backing of the royal clan and those who truly held military and political power in court. Moreover, this choice couldn’t be too obvious or glaring. If she were in the Crown Prince’s position, she would need to avoid the several first-rank generals who held the greatest military power. This left only a few civil officials and several noble and marquis families to choose from. While civil officials also held real power, their foundations were generally not as deep as those of the generations-old noble families in the capital, who possessed extensive connections and abundant wealth. Beyond this point, loyalty to the Crown Prince was also crucial. In the current court, even though the Crown Prince had been established, few dared to openly stand by his side. First, they feared the Emperor, and second, a Crown Prince could be established but also deposed – who could guarantee that Prince Yong would ascend to the throne?

Given these considerations, a marquis family like the Loyal and Brave Marquis, who was already serving as the Crown Prince’s right hand, was indeed the best choice.

Although Qin Wan didn’t yet fully understand Qin Chaoyu, remembering her elegant and dignified appearance from earlier, she felt it matched perfectly with the image of a Crown Princess. She thought that not only she, but others would also imagine the Crown Princess to be like Qin Chaoyu – of noble birth, accomplished in both talent and beauty. More importantly, in such a high position, one couldn’t lack wisdom, couldn’t be weak in methods, nor could their presence be lacking. The future Mother of the Nation needed to be someone who could weather storms and handle any situation.

“Crown Princess, that’s such an extremely noble position…” Fuling said with a hint of admiration in her voice. Seeing no reaction from Qin Wan, she sighed again, “But if Eighth Young Lady becomes Crown Princess, the Marquis Manor would become even more prominent, which would be good for us too.”

Qin Wan finally nodded, as a vague image of Prince Yong… now Crown Prince Yan Che, floated in her mind.

When she had been designated as Prince Yong’s consort years ago, Qin Wan had entered the palace three times, but regarding this Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, she had only seen him once from afar. Her current impression of him was limited to the four words “cultured and steady.” All the princes were extraordinary, and those with ambition even more so. When she was suddenly designated as Prince Yong’s consort back then, both her father and mother were extremely anxious. They were unwilling to let her marry into the royal family, but with the imperial edict already issued, there was nothing they could do. Although she disliked entering the palace, she hadn’t felt much turbulence over this matter.

Moreover, in her heart, she hadn’t connected herself with Prince Yong before the wedding, so when she later heard that Prince Yong had been established as Crown Prince, she only felt somewhat surprised. Now, knowing Qin Chaoyu’s ambitions, she felt no flights of fancy, but rather thought that Qin Chaoyu was very suitable for the position of Crown Princess, and if Qin Chaoyu achieved her wishes, the Marquis Manor’s position would become even more stable.

When the nest falls, no eggs remain whole – the current Qin Wan naturally hoped for the Marquis Manor’s smooth sailing.

“We’ve just returned, it’s good to know these things, but we shouldn’t discuss them privately,” Qin Wan instructed softly.

Fuling quickly nodded, “Young Lady, don’t worry, I understand.” Then, with a slight smile at the corners of her lips, “Young Lady, have you forgotten the paths around the manor?”

Qin Wan lowered her eyebrows, “It has been a long time away. Everything looks familiar, but I can’t remember clearly.”

Fuling covered her mouth and smiled, “The manor has indeed changed somewhat, but not too much. The young Lady can walk around the manor again tomorrow and it will be fine. Come to think of it, I don’t remember things too clearly either.”

As she spoke, Fuling suddenly moved closer to Qin Wan and said, “Young Lady, did you notice anything odd about Eighth Young Lady’s behavior today?”

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, “Hmm? What was odd?”

Fuling thought for a moment, “I remember that Eighth Young Lady didn’t like you in the past.”

Qin Wan made an “oh” sound. Today she had only felt that Qin Chaoyu’s attitude wasn’t particularly warm, but after three years without seeing each other, and since she wasn’t Ninth Young Lady, she had no expectations and naturally didn’t feel anything was amiss.

“That was then, and this is now. After so much time has passed, it’s fine.”

Fuling nodded, “I was just worried that Eighth Young Lady might harbor some grudges against you.”

Qin Wan’s eyes focused for a moment, then she said dismissively, “We’ll observe and see.”

After speaking, Qin Wan lowered her head to look at the notebook, and seeing this, Fuling said no more.

The yellowed notebook had some damaged areas, and the writing wasn’t very clear, but as Qin Wan read word by word, she knew what her father had written. She even had slight impressions of several of the cases mentioned.

As Qin Wan read more, her emotions began to surge. After the time it took to drink two cups of tea, she closed the notebook.

Taking a deep breath, Qin Wan stood by the window. The window was half-closed, and the cold wind from outside gently brushed past. Though cold, it helped Qin Wan calm down. Behind her, Fuling and Bai Ying exchanged glances when they saw her momentary distress, both somewhat confused, but Qin Wan quickly composed herself, “Alright, it’s getting late, let’s rest.”

Fuling quickly responded and helped Qin Wan lie down.

Qin Wan’s Pine Wind Courtyard was an independent courtyard with one entrance, similar in size to the courtyard where she had lived in the Qin Manor in Jinzhou. In comparison, only the garden scenery in the Marquis Manor was more exquisite. Although it was winter, her courtyard was still lush with greenery, and a red plum tree blooming in the corner of the yard added extra elegance and beauty.

After helping Qin Wan retire, Fuling and Bai Ying withdrew, and soon the room returned to silence.

Qin Wan closed her eyes wanting only to sleep, but her mind was filled with bits and pieces of life after moving to the capital with her parents. The warmth of their family of three and that night’s blood and fire alternated between comfort and pain. When Qin Wan finally fell asleep, her dreams were the same. After such a night, when Qin Wan woke at her usual time, she felt especially exhausted.

Having just returned to the Marquis Manor, Qin Wan was not one to be lazy. When she rose to wash up, the sky outside had just brightened.

“Young Lady, the First Madam said that breakfast in the Marquis Manor is taken separately by each household, and it will be the same for us now that we’re here. Huan has already gone to the kitchen to fetch breakfast, and the Young Lady can have it as soon as you come out.”

Qin Wan responded with a sound, and when she went out, indeed the breakfast was already set on the table.

Everything in the Marquis Manor was exquisite and proper. Just as Qin Wan finished eating, Qin Shuang appeared at the entrance of Pine Wind Courtyard. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she looked around, then happily entered Qin Wan’s room, “Have you finished eating?”

Qin Wan rinsed her mouth before responding, “What is it?”

“Let’s go out for a walk. Although the Marquis Manor isn’t as large as the Qin Manor, it’s more exquisite. Shall we go look around? You used to live here, so you must be more familiar with it than I am.”

In just one night, Qin Shuang had adapted to the Marquis Manor. Qin Wan didn’t want to disappoint her, but firstly, she didn’t remember the paths in the Marquis Manor, and secondly, she had more important matters to attend to today. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to accompany you.”

Qin Shuang raised an eyebrow, “Why not?”

While Huan and Cui’er, the two maids, were clearing the table, Qin Wan rose and entered the inner chamber, “Today I must go pay respects to Father and Mother.”

When Qin Shuang heard this, she made an “ah” sound, “I see, then, then alright.”

Meanwhile, Fuling and Bai Ying had already found the white cloak that Qin Wan had worn yesterday, and after arranging her dress, they followed Qin Wan toward the front courtyard. Seeing this, Qin Shuang also followed along.

When they reached the front courtyard and Madam Hu heard that Qin Wan and Qin Shuang had arrived, she hurriedly came out to meet them.

“Why have you come so early? Was breakfast to your liking?”

Madam Hu held Qin Shuang and Qin Wan’s hands affectionately. Qin Wan felt that Madam Hu had grown even more intimate with them overnight.

“It was very good, First Aunt, please don’t worry,” Qin Wan answered, then continued, “Your niece has come with a request. These past few years, I haven’t been in the capital, and although the Marquis Manor has taken care of Father and Mother’s death anniversaries, I haven’t been able to fulfill my filial duties. Now that we’re approaching the New Year, I should go pay my respects to Father and Mother to fulfill my filial obligations.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Hu quickly said, “Wan’er is indeed filial. Don’t worry, I’ve already thought of this. I had planned to let you rest for a day and go tomorrow, but since you’ve brought it up yourself, First Aunt will arrange everything properly. Let’s have your Third Brother escort you to Mount Qiyun.”

Mount Qiyun was a low mountain outside Linan City, covered with burial grounds of various noble and prestigious families from the capital. The Qin family’s burial ground was naturally also there. Qin Wan hurriedly said, “First Aunt need only arrange for servants to escort your niece…”

Qin Yan had just returned to the capital and likely had many matters to attend to. Although Qin Wan had received much care from Qin Yan during their journey, she didn’t truly consider him her Third Brother in her heart and naturally didn’t want to trouble him too much.

Madam Hu disagreed, “That won’t do. The round trip takes half a day, and while the city is one thing, many people are coming and going outside the city before the New Year. It’s not good for you to go alone.” She turned and called out, “Ayu, summon Yan’er here.”

Madam Hu gave orders so quickly that Qin Wan couldn’t refuse anymore. Madam Hu then led Qin Shuang and Qin Wan into the room, ordered tea and snacks to be served, and asked them softly if they had slept well last night and if anything wasn’t to their satisfaction.

As Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were answering in turn, Qin Yan had already arrived. After a day’s rest, Qin Yan appeared refreshed, wearing a white silver brocade robe. In the winter morning light, he appeared even more handsome and dignified. Upon entering, he respectfully bowed, “Mother, what did you summon me for?”

Madam Hu said, “Your Ninth Sister wants to go pay respects to your Second Uncle and Second Aunt today. Take two people and escort her.”

A deep smile appeared on Qin Yan’s face, “Very well, I’ll go select people now.”

Qin Yan’s prompt agreement and quick departure left Qin Wan with no room to refuse. She sighed inwardly and could only express her thanks. After a moment, Qin Yan returned, having prepared everything.

Seeing Qin Wan about to leave, Qin Shuang wanted to follow and quickly said, “I haven’t yet seen Second Uncle and Second Aunt. Since I know Ninth Sister is going, I should also go offer incense to Second Uncle and Second Aunt.”

Regardless of Qin Shuang’s reasons, having such thoughtfulness was naturally good. Qin Shuang looked at Qin Wan, who thought briefly before turning to look at Madam Hu. Madam Hu said kindly, “It’s wonderful that Shuang’er has such thoughts. Yan’er, prepare another carriage.”

Qin Shuang was overjoyed and went back to put on a cloak before leaving the Marquis Manor with Qin Wan.

Outside the Marquis Manor, two carriages were lined up front and back, with four servants holding horses standing nearby. Qin Yan announced, “You ride in the carriages, I’ll ride horseback. I’ve sat in carriages for too long on the way back and am tired of it.”

Qin Wan and Qin Shuang agreed and walked toward the carriages, but Qin Shuang insisted on joining Qin Wan in her carriage. There was nothing to be done, so only Wanjing and the other maid took the carriage behind.

Soon, the carriages began moving toward the south of the city.

When they had arrived in the capital yesterday, it had been sunset, but now it wasn’t yet noon, so the scenery was naturally different. Qin Shuang, wanting to see the sights, eagerly lifted the carriage curtain.

Soon, Qin Yan rode his horse forward and asked, “Ninth Sister, do you still remember the way?”

Fuling tied up the carriage curtain, and Qin Wan replied, “I only remember the general direction. I’m not sure if it’s because of that injury, but my memories aren’t very clear. During these years in Jinzhou, I thought I wouldn’t return, and now I feel the capital has changed completely.”

Fearing she might reveal inconsistencies, Qin Wan made sure to explain herself first.

Qin Yan smiled, “It’s normal since you haven’t been back for over three years. Let’s move quickly, we can return in the afternoon.”

Qin Wan responded, and Qin Yan rode ahead. As the carriages picked up speed, Qin Shuang kept watching outside, taking in all of Xingle Ward. Seeing that all the residences around the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor were wealthy and noble households, she eagerly grabbed Qin Wan and asked, “What is this place called? Why do all the mansions around here look more and more noble?”

It would have been strange if Qin Wan didn’t know this, so she explained, “This is Xingle Ward, the most concentrated area of noble officials and aristocrats outside the Imperial City. Xing’an Ward to the south is the same.”

“Xing’an Ward, Xingle Ward…” Qin Shuang muttered, her eyes excited, “Then where are the other court officials? And the common people? Where are the most bustling areas?”

“Xing’an Ward and Xingle Ward are the most prestigious. The areas immediately south of these two places are the first choice for other court officials, or the western Changle Ward and Chang’an Ward, which also house many court officials and counts, all wealthy and noble. As for common people, they live in the areas further west and south. The most bustling areas are along the Imperial Street and the East and West Markets.”

Qin Wan explained simply, but Qin Shuang listened attentively. She nodded slightly, seeming to memorize what Qin Wan said for future reference. When the carriage reached Imperial Street, Qin Shuang again pulled at Qin Wan, asking what various places were. Qin Wan answered what she knew and shook her head at what she didn’t. Through this, Qin Wan realized there was much about the capital she didn’t know.

When she and her parents had first moved to the capital, it had only been for three years, and she had spent half her time in the capital and half in Medicine Valley studying medicine. Usually staying at home and disliking going out to play, she naturally didn’t know many places.

Qin Shuang wasn’t surprised by her lack of knowledge. Qin Wan had left the capital at thirteen, and young girls of that age didn’t have many opportunities to go out and play. Moreover, she knew that Qin Wan hadn’t liked going out in the past.

Looking around like this, they reached the city gate after about the time it took to drink two cups of tea.

At the city gate, the situation was the same as yesterday.

“They’re checking so strictly this early?” Qin Shuang frowned.

Before and after the New Year, many people entered and left Linan City, so a long queue had formed at the city gate. Fortunately, since Qin Yan was escorting them, he rode forward and said something to the gate guards, and they quickly passed through.

After passing through the gate, Qin Shuang peered out the window to look back, “What has happened?”

Qin Wan frowned, something was indeed wrong. They had encountered martial law when returning yesterday, and it was the same today. Who were they searching for? As questions arose in her mind, she looked at Qin Yan riding ahead and called out, “Third Brother—”

Qin Yan slowed his horse and came beside her carriage. Qin Wan asked, “Why is the city gate under martial law?”

Qin Yan pondered briefly, “There are several cases in the city.”

Qin Shuang was surprised, “What cases? Did someone die?”

Seeing that both young ladies were present, Qin Yan felt it inappropriate to be explicit and said, “I don’t know the details, but around New Year, both inside and outside Linan City are unsettled. That’s why Mother insisted I escort you.”

Hearing this, Qin Wan believed Qin Yan truly didn’t know and didn’t ask further. Her thoughts were currently focused on the Shen family case. With that case still unsolved, she naturally had no interest in inquiring about others. Moreover, this was the Great Zhou Dynasty’s capital, with the Imperial Guards within, the Nine City Patrol Camps without, and various yamen officials and city garrison troops, all well-equipped and fully staffed. First, the Linan Prefecture Chief was managing internal affairs, and then the Crown Prince was responsible for protecting the capital region. Whatever cases occurred, it wasn’t her place to inquire.

Since Qin Wan said nothing, Qin Shuang felt these matters were even further removed from her. Her thoughts turned, and she began asking about where the intersecting official roads outside the city led, as their carriages took the official road heading southwest.

Following the official road for an hour, they reached the foot of Mount Qiyun. The winter mountain appeared desolate, and with the New Year approaching, there were scattered groups of people going up and down the mountain path. The Qin family’s carriages ascended the mountain path, slowly moving toward the middle of the mountain.

The entire Mount Qiyun was covered with burial grounds, with towering pine and cypress trees at its base. As they approached, there was an inevitably eerie feeling. Qin Wan lifted the carriage curtain to look outside and saw neat rows of ancient pines standing along both sides of the mountain path. Their deep green cast large patches of dim shadows, creating an atmosphere both solemn and heavy. Not far from the mountain path, before ascending, there were already numerous tombs.

Qin Wan raised her eyes to look and saw that while the burial grounds on the left were empty, a man was paying respects on the right side. She glanced at him briefly before their carriage continued straight up to the middle of the mountain, where the Qin family burial ground was located.

After another cup of tea’s time, the carriage slowly came to a stop.

“You two come down now, we’ll have to walk from here. You all, bring the things,” Qin Yan commanded. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang descended from the carriage in turn, following Qin Yan’s lead toward the Qin family burial ground.

Reaching the middle of the mountain, one could see tombs covering the gentle slope below. Each family’s burial ground was marked by stone tablets and bordered by verdant dwarf pines serving as dividing barriers. Between the burial grounds, bluestone paths crisscrossed, connecting them. These burial grounds were all quite large, showing the prosperity of the families. Naturally, these plots belonged to the capital’s powerful and noble clans. The corner areas or less peaceful spots along the paths had been bought at high prices by other wealthy households.

Following the bluestone path for half a cup of tea’s time, they reached the Qin family burial ground. Qin Yan led Qin Wan to two graves near the back. “Ninth Sister, you should remember this place—”

Having come face to face with the graves, Qin Wan naturally nodded.

Although she couldn’t pay respects to her parents, she could pay respects to the Ninth Young Lady’s parents on her behalf. For Qin Wan, this was also a consolation for her guilt and grief. She didn’t need to fake her expression as sorrow naturally showed on her face. When the servants set up the incense, candles, and paper money, Qin Wan knelt without hesitation and kowtowed. Beside her, Qin Yan and Qin Shuang both offered incense, while Fuling, being a servant, also knelt and kowtowed. The ceremony took about two cups of tea’s time.

“Ninth Sister, Second Uncle, and Second Aunt’s spirits in heaven will be comforted seeing you doing well. Don’t be too sad. Now that you’re back in the capital, you can come to pay respects whenever you wish.”

“Yes, don’t be sad. I’ll accompany you next time too.”

After Qin Yan and Qin Shuang each offered words of comfort, Qin Wan took a deep breath to compose herself.

Although it hadn’t snowed for several days, it was overcast. Standing on the mountainside, the wind was very strong. Seeing the gloomy sky, Qin Wan suggested returning to the manor. The group left the burial ground, boarded their carriages, and slowly descended the mountain.

Seeing Qin Wan’s listlessness, Qin Shuang tried to cheer her up. Qin Wan, understanding Qin Shuang’s good intentions, lightened up somewhat. When the carriage reached the bottom of the mountain, Qin Wan unconsciously looked out the window and saw that same man still paying respects.

They had gone up the mountain, paid their respects, and come down, yet that man, who had arrived before them, still hadn’t finished his prayers.

Qin Wan sighed. He must be paying respects to a close relative – only at the grave of a beloved family member would one linger in grief for so long.

The return journey took another hour. Qin Shuang talked continuously along the way, and by the time they reached the city gate, Qin Wan had managed a slight smile. Looking at the city gate, they saw the queue had only grown longer.

Qin Yan rode forward, intending to greet the guard captain as he had when they left, but the captain bowed to him first, “Young Master, I’m truly sorry, but we can’t make any exceptions at this time.”

Qin Yan raised an eyebrow, “Why is that?”

The guard captain pointed to the top of the city wall, then said in an extremely low voice, “The Eastern Palace and the Minister of Justice have arrived.”

At these words, Qin Yan’s expression changed slightly – the Crown Prince had come?

The captain hurriedly continued, “The Prefecture Chief is also here. He just gave orders that no one, regardless of status, is to enter or leave the capital freely. We dare not disregard the Prefecture Chief’s face right after receiving such orders.”

Hearing this, Qin Yan showed no displeasure, quickly nodding, “I understand, it’s fine, we’ll wait.”

The guard captain bowed repeatedly in thanks, and Qin Yan rode back to Qin Wan’s carriage, knocking lightly and saying, “We’ll have to wait a while. The Prefecture Chief is here inspecting the martial law situation.”

Qin Yan’s explanation was simple, and naturally, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang in the carriage said nothing.

Qin Yan had the carriages join the queue, but his gaze swept toward the pavilions atop the city wall. Just then, a guard in black clothing quickly ran down from the wall.

The guard came straight to Qin Yan and said, “Young Master Qin, my master requests your presence—”

At these words, Qin Yan immediately dismounted, gave instructions to the carriage driver, and followed the guard.

In the carriage, Qin Shuang blinked, “What does the Prefecture Chief want with Third Brother?”

Qin Shuang didn’t know, and neither did Qin Wan. She only knew that the current Linan Prefecture Chief was named Zheng Baishi, over forty years old, and an official whom even her father had praised, saying that in all under heaven, only Zheng Baishi was fit for the position of Linan Prefecture Chief.

Linan City was the imperial capital, different from other provincial governors. The selection of the Linan Prefecture Chief was of great importance – in the past, even royal princes and heirs had held the position. The Prefecture Chief managed the city’s administration and had to attend court daily to discuss state affairs with the Emperor and officials. Additionally, all matters such as royal sacrifices during festivals, receiving foreign envoys, and royal weddings required the Prefecture Chief’s coordination with the imperial household. As a third-rank official, those who held this position often went on to become prime ministers.

Therefore, seeing Qin Yan’s immediate response to the guard’s summons, Qin Wan found nothing strange about it.

As Qin Wan and Qin Shuang waited idly in the carriage, not knowing why Qin Yan had been summoned by the Prefecture Chief, and paying little attention to the slow-moving queue ahead, Qin Wan faintly heard discussions outside.

“They say it’s some wandering serial rapist.”

“Wasn’t it said to be a death row prisoner who escaped from the Imperial Prison?”

“Who knows? It’s been so long and they haven’t caught anyone. What are the officials doing?”

“Indeed, it’s frightening even in broad daylight. As soon as the sun sets, everyone rushes home.”

In the carriage, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang exchanged glances, both confused. Qin Shuang asked, “A serial rapist? So in this case, was something stolen, or… was someone taken?”

Qin Wan shook her head – she couldn’t understand what was happening just from these conversations, and it wouldn’t be proper to leave the carriage to ask. Just then, Qin Yan returned. When he had left, he had seemed somewhat solemn, but now he returned relaxed and wearing a faint smile. Qin Wan was slightly surprised by his appearance – had he received some commendation?

“Third Brother, what happened that made you so happy?”

Qin Shuang lifted the curtain halfway and quietly asked Qin Yan as he approached.

Qin Yan’s lips curved slightly, “Nothing much, just had a few words with the Prefecture Chief.”

Qin Shuang made an “oh” sound, and they waited a while longer as their carriage moved near the front. Qin Yan mounted his horse again, and Qin Shuang asked no more questions. Soon, only two or three people remained ahead of Qin Wan’s carriage.

Just as they were about to reach their turn, Qin Shuang couldn’t resist lifting the curtain to look outside. As she did so, Qin Wan’s gaze fell on the city wall, specifically on the stairs leading down. Someone was standing there, seemingly waiting for another person. He stood at an angle, his figure lean and tall, and from Qin Wan’s position, she could see his face.

Qin Wan instantly clenched her fist inside her sleeve. This person was none other than Li Muyun, the current Minister of Justice whom she should have met in Yuzhou…

Her eyes narrowed sharply as she stared at Li Muyun’s profile for a moment. Suddenly, as if sensing something, Li Muyun looked down toward the carriages. Just as Qin Wan was about to conceal her expression, Qin Shuang let the curtain fall, effectively hiding Qin Wan’s cold gaze from within the carriage.

Atop the city wall, Li Muyun frowned and looked down several times. His instincts were never wrong – someone had definitely been watching him strangely just now, but looking down, he found nothing unusual. At the same time, Li Muyun saw Qin Yan, who thought Li Muyun was looking at him and cupped his hands in farewell.

Li Muyun nodded, and heavy footsteps approached from behind him.

Li Muyun quickly turned around to see the current Crown Prince Yan Che speaking solemnly, “Minister Li, Minister Zheng, this matter cannot be delayed any longer. Father has inquired several times. If there are no results soon, I’m afraid we will all face the Emperor’s wrath together.”

Yan Che’s voice became firm, “Father has given me only nine days. Before New Year’s Eve, this case must be solved.”

Li Muyun and Zheng Baishi repeatedly agreed. Yan Che nodded and lifted his foot to descend the city wall. Walking forward a few steps, he only caught a glimpse of two carriages passing swiftly below the city wall before they disappeared.